In an effort to become more involved in the community, the Russellville Police Department will soon begin utilizing their two substations more frequently.

According to Russellville Police Chief Chris Hargett, the substations are located at the Washington Court Apartments in the Community Action building and at Ridgecrest Apartments.

“I think the original intention for the substations was because these were two problem areas some time ago,” Hargett said, “but we don’t have any problems there now. We simply want to make ourselves more accessible to the community.”

Hargett said the substations would allow RPD officers to have a place to go to fill out paperwork, interact with the surrounding community and be a strong presence in the area.

“The substations will be a way to keep our officers in the field more often,” Hargett said.

“It will also give the citizens another option if they need to meet with an officer. They can meet officers at the substation instead of coming to the main office.”

Hargett also said the substations would not be staffed around the clock. Officers on duty will check in periodically and on an as-needed basis.

“We appreciate the Housing Authority letting us use the space at the Community Action Building and Ridgecrest for letting us use space there,” Hargett said.

“We think this will be good for the community and a good way for us to be more involved.”